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Safe Disposal of Sharps

• Back to Needle Exchange
  
• What is the Clean Works Program

Did you know that a used syringe (needle) can carry HIV and the Hepatitis B and C viruses? Discarded needles are found on our streets, in our parks and in other public places.

What to do if you find a needle...

To help Protect Yourself from being stuck with a needle here are some safety tips:

• If you do not have a sharps container and cannot obtain one call your local police department about disposal. Do NOT touch the needle!
  
  
• If you have a sharps container take it to the needle.
  
  
• Ensure that you are wearing protective gear such as work gloves, closed toe shoes and if possible long pants.
  
  
• DO NOT hold the container with your hands. Place the sharps container on a flat surface. DO NOT insert your fingers into the opening.
  
  
• DO NOT pick up the needle with your hands. Instead use tongs or pliers.
  
  
• Place the needle into the container, sharp end down and away from you. Close lid.
  
  
• DO NOT fill the sharps container to the brim. When it is about 2/3 full return it to the place of purchase for disposal.
  
  
• NEVER put a needle into the garbage or recycling. It could create a hazard for others.

If you are stuck by a used needle what should you do?

• Allow the wound to bleed freely.
  
  
• Wash thoroughly with soap and warm water.
  
  
• Disinfect the wound (for example, use an alcohol swab) and cover with a sterile, waterproof bandage.

Seek immediate medical attention from an emergency department or doctor's office. Testing and post-exposure prophylaxis may be recommended.

For more information about proper disposal of sharps, contact the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit or your local municipality/township.

For individuals who use injection drugs, the Health Unit also provides a Needle Exchange Program. Call 1-800-660-5853 (8:30 a.m. -- 4:30 p.m. Mon. to Fri.)

Ontario Harm Reduction Distribution Program The Ontario Harm Reduction Distribution Program provides harm reduction materials, as well as knowledge and support, to Ontario's needle exchange and harm reduction programs. This includes their Best Practices recommendations. Other websites of interest Canadian Centre of Substance Abuse The Canadian Harm Reduction Network